Synopsis
A sharp critical commentary on a German socialist program, clarifying Marx's views on distribution, the transition to communism, and the state.
Core passage idea
Paraphrase · Public domainIn a higher phase of communism society can move beyond bourgeois right to the principle from each according to ability, to each according to need.
It distinguishes socialist from communist distribution and gives Marx's clearest sketch of the post-revolutionary transition.
To avoid a bubble
Pair with Eduard Bernstein, Evolutionary Socialism.
Reading note
Read it as marginal critique, reading Marx's objections against the program points he is dissecting.
Best paired with
Eduard Bernstein, Evolutionary Socialism